THIEVES ram-raided a convenience store with a digger - but only managed to steal an empty cash machine.

A vehicle, thought to be a digger, was used to smash into Budgens, in Ferry Road, Hullbridge, and used to pull the cashpoint from the front of the shop at about 3.30am yesterday.

The crooks ran off from the scene in two vehicles, including a black Audi.

The front wall of the store, where the cash machine was installed, was destroyed and debris was left strewn across Ferry Road.

The road was closed for most of yesterday while the mess was cleared up and investigations were carried out.

Gillian Young, 53, who has been manager at the store for 15 years, was upset by the raid.

She said: “I got the call at about 4.45am and I got there by about 5.45am with my partner John Goulding.

“The road was shut but officers let us through as I am the manager.

“My first thought was ‘Oh my God, the front of the shop is missing’.

“We have shutters inside and out and these have been destroyed.

“As I have worked there for so long, it is quite gut wrenching and very, very upsetting.

“I don’t think the cash machine was filled up on Monday so they have caused all this devastation and got away with nothing.”

Mr Goulding, 49, has appealed for anyone with information to come forward.

He said: “I am not sure the owner will have a cash machine fitted after this.

“Someone might have seen the farm vehicle stored somewhere before the crime.

“My guess is that it was kept up a side road nearby until they needed it.”

Rubble, broken glass and shop fittings were left covering the pavement and street outside the store.

Officers and the police helicopter searched the area and have found two vehicles which police believe may have been involved in the incident.

Essex Police is appealing for witnesses.

Call 101 quoting incident number 76 of 23/10.